Manchester Reed Trio

The Manchester Reed Trio was formed by Bethan, Sarah, and Rachel who all studied at the Royal Northern College.

Since leaving the RNCM the three girls enjoyed busy freelance careers throughout the country and several years ago they decided to enhance their work by forming the Manchester Reed Trio. The ensemble comprises of oboe (Bethan), clarinet (Rachel) and bassoon (Sarah).

The flexibility of the instrumentation leads to a varied and sonorous sound world, for which a vast array of repertoire has been written. The group also have a large number of arrangements, creating diversity and choice in their performances. A performance by the trio could include everything from JS Bach to Dave Brubeck taking in Baroque, Classical, Latin and Jazz.

As a group the trio work in many varied situations including recitals, wedding music, corporate entertainment, educational and background music. Manchester Reed Trio has recently begun developing their interest in the field of music and health.

Bethan Roberts studied music at Manchester University, and then at the Royal Northern College of Music. Having graduated with a MusM in performance, she has since been enjoying a busy and varied career as a freelance oboist. Bethan has worked with many of the major orchestras in the area such as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and also smaller scale opera ensembles. Chamber music has always been a huge part of her musical life and she is a member of several groups, giving regular recitals and workshops.

Rachel Fillhart was born in Holland in 1978, and moved to Canada when she was six. She received scholarships to attend the Royal Academy of Music and later, the Royal Northern College of Music. In 2004 Rachel won an audition for the Assistant Principal Clarinet position with the Orchestra of the Algarve, Portugal. She worked there for three years, performing orchestral and chamber music concerts throughout Europe, and appeared as a concerto soloist on several occasions. She now works as a freelance clarinettist, based in the northwest of England, and has performed with orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and the Halle.

Sarah Nixon was born in Reading in 1978. Originally a flute player, she went on to learn bassoon at The Royal Northern College of Music. Since graduating she has been pursuing a busy and varied freelance performing career. In addition to playing frequently with some of the country’s top orchestras, including a trial period for the position of Principal Contra Bassoon with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarah’s musical interests are diverse, and she is passionate about teaching.